Topical Bible: Afflictions: Often Arise from the Profession of the Gospel

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Afflictions, as experienced by believers, are frequently linked to the profession and proclamation of the Gospel. The New Testament provides numerous accounts and teachings that highlight the inevitability of suffering for those who follow Christ and bear witness to His message. These afflictions serve as a testament to the spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness.

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often addresses the theme of suffering for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Timothy 3:12, he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This verse underscores the expectation that living a life aligned with the teachings of Christ naturally invites opposition and hardship.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus Himself acknowledges the blessedness of those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This pronouncement affirms that afflictions are not only anticipated but are also a mark of divine favor and promise of eternal reward.

Historical Examples

The early church provides vivid examples of afflictions arising from the profession of the Gospel. The Acts of the Apostles recounts numerous instances where the disciples faced imprisonment, beatings, and even martyrdom. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his bold proclamation of Christ (Acts 7:54-60). Similarly, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for casting out a spirit and preaching the Gospel in Philippi (Acts 16:16-24).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, afflictions serve to refine and strengthen the faith of believers. James 1:2-4 encourages Christians to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." This passage suggests that afflictions are instrumental in spiritual growth and maturity.

Moreover, afflictions for the Gospel are seen as a participation in the sufferings of Christ. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his desire "to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death." This identification with Christ's sufferings is viewed as a profound aspect of the Christian experience.

Practical Considerations

Believers are called to respond to afflictions with faith and perseverance. Romans 5:3-5 speaks to the transformative power of suffering: "Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This hope is rooted in the assurance of God's love and the ultimate victory of His kingdom.

Furthermore, Christians are encouraged to support one another in times of affliction. Galatians 6:2 exhorts believers to "carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." The community of faith plays a vital role in providing encouragement and strength to those enduring hardships for the Gospel.

Conclusion

Afflictions arising from the profession of the Gospel are an integral part of the Christian journey. They serve as a testament to the believer's commitment to Christ and His message, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with the Savior. Through these trials, the church is reminded of its call to stand firm in faith, support one another, and look forward to the eternal glory that awaits.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 24:9
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:21
But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 3:11,12
Persecutions, afflictions, which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
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Library

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... especially under temptations and other afflictions, in which ... I readily acknowledge,
that there are often, in unregenerate ... as ever he said, I will arise and go ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... 3. But if thou say (as it is often the speech ... a sinner as I am, in the work of his
gospel. ... of nature, though covered over with an outside profession, here thou ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
... great Judge and Governor of all shall arise to plead ... tempers and appetites which
so often cut short ... Thus the outward afflictions, which everywhere surround and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xli death by adam.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... the Father; by which similitude he is often set out ... that any of his sermons, ministers,
afflictions, judgments, or ... Thou art crowded into a profession, art got ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... intelligible; that no disputes may arise, no injustice be ... an occasion of sorrow which
we often experience in ... Here all have trials and afflictions"the perfect ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... petitions to their particular sufferings and afflictions; for otherwise ... a procedure
will oblige some often to break ... love of which all enmities arise) and who ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... But, the afflictions which awaited him in every ... "Also of yourselves shall men arise,
speaking perverse ... our Saviour's representation, they are often "wolves in ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The Great Shepherd
... multitudes, as yet unborn, shall successively arise in their ... Many are the afflictions
of the righteous (Psalm 34:19) , by which they are often wearied and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm

The Call of Abraham
... How often has this temptation happened to the rich. ... yet grace has increased, and
as our afflictions abounded, our ... and the message will come""Arise and go ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

Declension from First Love
... Perhaps, too, you attend the means so often, that you ... If you have sufferings and
afflictions, and I know them ... May not this question arise in our hearts"Was I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/declension from first love.htm